I remember as a child, the many times myself and my siblings would walk about our neighbourhood exploring the different places we could find
I remember when the Muslims used to celebrate "idr-fetir", the festival after their fasting period.
It was always fun because we used to see the many different cattle and how big they were. Some with horns, others without and some so strong, it took more than 5 men to bring them down before they could be slaughtered for the festival
I remember the many different coloured outfits people would wear out just to display the festive spirit.
I remember the foods which were sent over by the Muslim friends which the whole family enjoyed .
I remember Easter, when we used to make palm nut soup and different decorative items with the palm branches
I remember when the church would walk around the neighbourhood singing songs of "hoseana, (Ashanti way of pronouncing hosanna" just to commemorate the entry of Christ into Jerusalem
I remember Christmas It was a beautiful time to have chicken. Yes Chicken!!! and all the many meals which we could eat just because it was Christmas!
I remember 24th December, the night before the real day of Christmas when music would be played so loud and Christmas lights would be displayed infront of our family house; many neighbours would walk past and some would stay just to enjoy the festive spirit
I remember when we were bought beautiful dresses and new underwear, socks, shoes and jewellery just to go to church on Sunday to celebrate Christmas
I remember when we used to go to the rubbish dump site to explore the surroundings. It was always a fun opportunity to find objects which we could play with on our return home
I remember when we used to make little soups and stews in empty cans of tomatoes which we could find in our little pretend kitchens
I remember when we used to play "mum, dad and family" with our cousins
and sometimes one of us would get upset and decide not to play
I remember when my grand mother would buy us little mortars, pestles and ladles to make our own "fufu" and soup
I remember when she used to go to the farm and return a few days later with bananas, plantain and other food stuff.
I remember the plant she called "see koto" which we used to knock each other on the head with just for the fun of it
I remember when my cousin would intentionally drop his meat into our soup just so he could pick it up and scoop some of thesoup up whilst doing it
I remember when my auntie would leave some of her evening rice till morning and the first person to find it would have the right to eat it with the tasty tomato stew from the previous day
I remember when my aunt used to go on her trips and we had to clean up the house and set it in order before she arrived to avoid gettingtold off
I remember when my teeth used to hurt in the evenings because I had stuck tooth picks in the gaps to get out locked up food.
I remember the times I cried and my older sister would pick me up andgive me a "piggy back" just to calm me down
I remember when my sister, myself and my cousins would sing and drum on anything we could find just to make music
I remember the ants in Ghana which would bite us and leave bumps which itch so much so that we immediately developed hatred for them and wanted to squash them the moment we found the "culprit ant"
I remember the times when we were told scary stories of the Ghosts of people dying in one town and being found in another
I remember the Nigerian movies that used to scare us so much because of the "Juju" which was portrayed in them
I remember when life was so simple, beautiful and fun without costing money
I remember the good old days and now I thank God for bringing me up in Africa to enjoy the simplicity of life in my childhood.
By Trudie
What do you remember as a child?
Friday, 14 September 2012
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Finding oneself- confidence
1."God has not called us to look down on ourselves"
2."God personally forms and shapes us for a purpose and that purpose is for the Potter's Glory"
I was speaking to my friend today and the topic of "Confidence" popped up. She told me about the fact that she felt confident the previous year but all of a sudden, she seemed to have lost it all.
I remembered the time in high school when we used to talk about this issue and I figured that this hadn't been dealt with properly by both of us even up until now (i.e. about 6years later).
I asked her about this and posed the question "How long is it going to take for you to be confident in yourself? Is it when you are 50 or maybe 80years? This made me realise that the more we dwell on the issue of not being confident, the more we spend our lives not really going for what we want.
Our perception of ourselves is projected out whether we like it or not and this causes others to either respond in a negative or positive way towards us and in turn, our own spirits are either lifted or dampened.
"Clay sculpture...representing me, i'm in a fetal position, small and alone, crying and completely self-focused, feeling rejected, this is what it looks like for me when i've allowed myself to be consumed by all my insecurities, fears, & hurts."
God has not called us to look down on ourselves; His creation.
He said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous" when He chose him to lead the people of Israel after the death of Moses, their leader. God repeated this several times and we should be aware that each time a particular verse is repeated, it suggests its importance and thus should be taken note of.
Fear is the consequence of a lie. The same applies to having a low self esteem. We have been told that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14) so listening to any other voice contrary to this makes us wonder, whose voice are we listening to? Are we paying attention to the lie we have told ourselves constantly or the truth that God has clearly spoken about our identities.
"My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). Do you know the voice of the one who has spoken truthfully about you, and do you know what He has said?
Let us find our identities in God and always remember that He has called us His own and has made us in His image and likeness regardless of our "flaws" (Genesis 1:27).
It is important that when we find ourselves losing confidence, we remember that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Even if it doesn't seem real, meditate upon it until it becomes a part of you. Let it be like a silent prayer in your head at all times and remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philipians 4:13)
Let us not try to find ourselves in achievements, aquisitions (i.e. material things), relationships, appearance or any other thing that might temporarily fill that Gap. Only God can fill it. Find the truth in His word and walk in that Truth daily.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105)
What issue of confidence have you had and how have you dealt with it? Care to share!
2."God personally forms and shapes us for a purpose and that purpose is for the Potter's Glory"
I was speaking to my friend today and the topic of "Confidence" popped up. She told me about the fact that she felt confident the previous year but all of a sudden, she seemed to have lost it all.
I remembered the time in high school when we used to talk about this issue and I figured that this hadn't been dealt with properly by both of us even up until now (i.e. about 6years later).
I asked her about this and posed the question "How long is it going to take for you to be confident in yourself? Is it when you are 50 or maybe 80years? This made me realise that the more we dwell on the issue of not being confident, the more we spend our lives not really going for what we want.
Our perception of ourselves is projected out whether we like it or not and this causes others to either respond in a negative or positive way towards us and in turn, our own spirits are either lifted or dampened.
"Clay sculpture...representing me, i'm in a fetal position, small and alone, crying and completely self-focused, feeling rejected, this is what it looks like for me when i've allowed myself to be consumed by all my insecurities, fears, & hurts."
God has not called us to look down on ourselves; His creation.
He said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous" when He chose him to lead the people of Israel after the death of Moses, their leader. God repeated this several times and we should be aware that each time a particular verse is repeated, it suggests its importance and thus should be taken note of.
Fear is the consequence of a lie. The same applies to having a low self esteem. We have been told that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14) so listening to any other voice contrary to this makes us wonder, whose voice are we listening to? Are we paying attention to the lie we have told ourselves constantly or the truth that God has clearly spoken about our identities.
"My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). Do you know the voice of the one who has spoken truthfully about you, and do you know what He has said?
Let us find our identities in God and always remember that He has called us His own and has made us in His image and likeness regardless of our "flaws" (Genesis 1:27).
It is important that when we find ourselves losing confidence, we remember that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Even if it doesn't seem real, meditate upon it until it becomes a part of you. Let it be like a silent prayer in your head at all times and remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philipians 4:13)
Let us not try to find ourselves in achievements, aquisitions (i.e. material things), relationships, appearance or any other thing that might temporarily fill that Gap. Only God can fill it. Find the truth in His word and walk in that Truth daily.
"This is my second clay sculpture...representing me, i'm part of a friendly clay coffee mug that is meant for daily use to be filled up and poured out in relationship, i've got my arms outstretched looking outward ready to dive deep, it's no longer all about me and i'm standing with courage knowing & trusting that the Potter is the one who will take the mug in his hands to use as He desires. Here Am I Lord, Send Me. Have Your Way."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105)
What issue of confidence have you had and how have you dealt with it? Care to share!
Monday, 27 August 2012
7 THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR
"Focusing on gratitude unleashes the love that lives within"- Gabrielle Bernstein
Lately, I've figured that I have mainly focused on negative things which I've felt have happened to me and to be honest it has become an energy drainer. So I came across MISSLARA's blog update on "11 things I'm thankful for" and I thought "why not do the same?"...I wanted to put up 10 things I'm thankful for but 7 just popped up in my head so I figured I'd put them on here and build up on it in my next posts. Let's see how watchful I'll be in the next few days to notice the good things going on as well and truly appreciate them.
Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in onebody; and be ye thankful"
1. Family (Dad, mum, siblings, cousins etc)
2. Friends
3. Graduating from university- (The opportunity to go to university and graduate; I learnt quite a lot whilest I was there and would definitely recommend it to anyone)
4. Life
5. Experiences- The good and the bad- They've made me better
6. Opportunities- They give me a chance to explore (realise) my potentials and develop
7. Laughter- Brings instant joy and happiness
So what are you guys thankful for? Care to share!!!
Lately, I've figured that I have mainly focused on negative things which I've felt have happened to me and to be honest it has become an energy drainer. So I came across MISSLARA's blog update on "11 things I'm thankful for" and I thought "why not do the same?"...I wanted to put up 10 things I'm thankful for but 7 just popped up in my head so I figured I'd put them on here and build up on it in my next posts. Let's see how watchful I'll be in the next few days to notice the good things going on as well and truly appreciate them.
Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in onebody; and be ye thankful"
1. Family (Dad, mum, siblings, cousins etc)
2. Friends
3. Graduating from university- (The opportunity to go to university and graduate; I learnt quite a lot whilest I was there and would definitely recommend it to anyone)
4. Life
5. Experiences- The good and the bad- They've made me better
6. Opportunities- They give me a chance to explore (realise) my potentials and develop
7. Laughter- Brings instant joy and happiness
So what are you guys thankful for? Care to share!!!
Thursday, 23 August 2012
MY QUIET TIME WITH GOD
So I just commented on FunTo's post on "Read the bible...Part of a check-list? and I figured I'd take my own advice so I thought I'd share with you guys...
"I admit sometimes my quiet time becomes a "to do" list in my head which I have to tick and I feel guilty when its not done so I've found myself sometimes doing it just for the sake of it. But I realise that the moment I take my time, relax and just enjoy reading and praying, it becomes more of a genuine way to spend time with God. So I guess all I'm saying is, just make time for God in your relationship. It might take some time to set up a specific time but God is always there and we just have to enjoy being in His presence and not make it seem a duty.. (wow I think I'll take my own advice lol)"
So yh, do you guys ever feel that way sometimes and how have you gone about dealing with it?
"I admit sometimes my quiet time becomes a "to do" list in my head which I have to tick and I feel guilty when its not done so I've found myself sometimes doing it just for the sake of it. But I realise that the moment I take my time, relax and just enjoy reading and praying, it becomes more of a genuine way to spend time with God. So I guess all I'm saying is, just make time for God in your relationship. It might take some time to set up a specific time but God is always there and we just have to enjoy being in His presence and not make it seem a duty.. (wow I think I'll take my own advice lol)"
So yh, do you guys ever feel that way sometimes and how have you gone about dealing with it?
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Your Identity Shapes Me Too
So I was just watching this video and it made me think of the effect that the people surrounding us (i.e. parents, friends, acquintances e.t.c) have on us. So I thought I'd share it.
Be careful of the people you surround yourself with & listen to. They all nurture a behaviour in you.
Would you like the positive ones to grow or the negative? It's definitely your choice!!!!!!
Monday, 20 August 2012
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
"Marriage- Faith & Forgiveness"
1. Marriage is a journey of Faith.
2. To err is human, but to forgive is divine
I recently attended my friend's (kea) wedding and during the service, the pastor quoted "Marriage is a journey of faith"- This touched me because it made me realise that even though people get married mostly because they love each other, none of them know what they will face along the journey. Neither do they know the outcome. All they dwell on is the "love" they have for each other in that moment as well as "hope" that all things will work for good in their marriage. Hence indirectly they are exercising Faith- (A substance of things "hoped" for and the evidence of things unseen"....Hebrews 11: 1) in their journey together as a couple.
The second lesson I learnt was "To err is human but to forgive is divine".
I had heard this quote many times yet did not really understand it until the preacher set an example in the case of married couples who because of the amount of time they spend together are bound to offend each other. In certain cases, the offence would be so much (Jesus says, blessed is he who shall not be offended in me... Matthew 11:6) so that, the foundations of the marriage could be shaken and if this happens, a marriage that has been built on a strong foundation with its entirety entrenched in Christ would find that the only thing they can do is to go back to the founder and ask for strength and this would be the definition of the divinity in forgiveness.
You see, when we are offended, we don't forgive because we are perfect and it's so easy rather we forgive because, we were once sinners deemed to perish except for the forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus
Therefore as humans we are bound to err, but when we offend others, their ability to forgive us is only due to the fact that, they themselves have been forgiven hence they are able to do the same to others i.e. divine forgiveness. God alone can help us to forgive. We cannot give what we do not have. We can only forgive because we have received forgiveness from God. Hence he has shown us an example and is only asking that we do the same with others.
May God help us all to practice forgiveness in our relationships and allow us to abide in faith and love in our marriages in Jesus name Amen.
2. To err is human, but to forgive is divine
I recently attended my friend's (kea) wedding and during the service, the pastor quoted "Marriage is a journey of faith"- This touched me because it made me realise that even though people get married mostly because they love each other, none of them know what they will face along the journey. Neither do they know the outcome. All they dwell on is the "love" they have for each other in that moment as well as "hope" that all things will work for good in their marriage. Hence indirectly they are exercising Faith- (A substance of things "hoped" for and the evidence of things unseen"....Hebrews 11: 1) in their journey together as a couple.
The second lesson I learnt was "To err is human but to forgive is divine".
I had heard this quote many times yet did not really understand it until the preacher set an example in the case of married couples who because of the amount of time they spend together are bound to offend each other. In certain cases, the offence would be so much (Jesus says, blessed is he who shall not be offended in me... Matthew 11:6) so that, the foundations of the marriage could be shaken and if this happens, a marriage that has been built on a strong foundation with its entirety entrenched in Christ would find that the only thing they can do is to go back to the founder and ask for strength and this would be the definition of the divinity in forgiveness.
You see, when we are offended, we don't forgive because we are perfect and it's so easy rather we forgive because, we were once sinners deemed to perish except for the forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus
Therefore as humans we are bound to err, but when we offend others, their ability to forgive us is only due to the fact that, they themselves have been forgiven hence they are able to do the same to others i.e. divine forgiveness. God alone can help us to forgive. We cannot give what we do not have. We can only forgive because we have received forgiveness from God. Hence he has shown us an example and is only asking that we do the same with others.
May God help us all to practice forgiveness in our relationships and allow us to abide in faith and love in our marriages in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
9 THINGS I'VE LEARNT THIS WEEK
1. Be willing to step out there on faith
2. It's not how heavy the load is you carry; It's how you carry the load
3. Don't lose sight of the mission
4. Count your blessings each day
5. Get a grip of what has a grip of you
6. Drop activities that sap your energy
7. The borrower is servant to the lender
8. Do not borrow unless it is to create wealth
9. Whatever takes money out of your pocket is a liability
2. It's not how heavy the load is you carry; It's how you carry the load
3. Don't lose sight of the mission
4. Count your blessings each day
5. Get a grip of what has a grip of you
6. Drop activities that sap your energy
7. The borrower is servant to the lender
8. Do not borrow unless it is to create wealth
9. Whatever takes money out of your pocket is a liability
Ambition!!
Texttexttiles blogged
this video by TDS on "Ambition" and drive and I was inspired after
watching this so i thought I'd share. I hope you are too.
Have a pleasant week!
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
7 things I've learnt
I just thought I'd reenact berry-haute's blog on "seven things I've learnt this week" as I find it quite interesting.
I've learnt that;
1. Jealousy creeps in when I only focus on other people's achievements and not my own- figured it out when I always missed a beat when I looked at certain people...It was hatred for the things they did turned eventually to jealousy- God help me
2. I need to learn how to be a better friend
3. sometimes it takes God to help us love even our family the way they should be loved- it doesn't come as naturally as I originally assumed
4. I need to be courageous in other to be free
5. whatever I want, I should make an effort to go for it. If I don't get it in the end, at least I tried
6. I have to get my eyes off others, stay before God, forget my past and recondition myself in order to be content with my present state and not complain- I'm working on that
7. I need to treat my studies as a critical component of my kingdom assignment
8. 30years experience is not the same as a 1 year experience over 30years
9. I need to stop winging about things and get them done
10. Fear is a lie-
11. I need to start studying finance and money to know what to do with the money God gives me
Thought I'd just make it 11 for the sake of it...
What have you learnt in the past few weeks and how have you gone about with the knowledge you've acquired?
xoxo- Berry Lessons!
I've learnt that;
1. Jealousy creeps in when I only focus on other people's achievements and not my own- figured it out when I always missed a beat when I looked at certain people...It was hatred for the things they did turned eventually to jealousy- God help me
2. I need to learn how to be a better friend
3. sometimes it takes God to help us love even our family the way they should be loved- it doesn't come as naturally as I originally assumed
4. I need to be courageous in other to be free
5. whatever I want, I should make an effort to go for it. If I don't get it in the end, at least I tried
6. I have to get my eyes off others, stay before God, forget my past and recondition myself in order to be content with my present state and not complain- I'm working on that
7. I need to treat my studies as a critical component of my kingdom assignment
8. 30years experience is not the same as a 1 year experience over 30years
9. I need to stop winging about things and get them done
10. Fear is a lie-
11. I need to start studying finance and money to know what to do with the money God gives me
Thought I'd just make it 11 for the sake of it...
What have you learnt in the past few weeks and how have you gone about with the knowledge you've acquired?
xoxo- Berry Lessons!
Friday, 6 April 2012
FREEDOM!
Let go of the constant need for people's approval. Once you do, you realise that you are able to experience the complete freedom which God intends for you to have.
Christ has come to set the captives free. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Freedom: "The power or right to speak, act or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint"
Christ has come to set the captives free. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Freedom: "The power or right to speak, act or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint"
Thursday, 9 February 2012
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